ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
ACUMA Incorporated: Higher education news, Australia & New Zealand - February 2009
Overseas student enrolments in Australia at record high Oz elite damn review as a 'road map to mediocrity' First-year attrition too high Gmail crash hits 100 million users worldwide Student group keen on new fee: Uni sport boost Alcohol raises cancer risk Australia's education system is failing disadvantaged Sector pursues unity on Bradley review Call for funding transparency VU academics to begin rolling strikes Students grapple with new arrangements for services New row over student unionism Trevor Gale raises equity fears as Bradley recommendations could concentrate disadvantage Higher education's dirty little secret Adelaide Uni migrates 16,000 students to Gmail Tight deadline put the squeeze on review The dust settles - now for the verdict Death of the dotcom degree Top universities slam Bradley review Bradley review prompts Go8 ire NZVCC releases Briefing for the Incoming Govt Uni chief criticises education blueprint Liberal students seek fee block Concerns about management of funds Unis and students back fee to improve services 20 new campuses crucial for "nation building" Govt introduces student services bill UC's new on-campus complex set to ease rental market squeeze Call for outer-suburbs unis University shake-up under fire Vouchers won't work with cap, report says It's university - but not as we know it Oz graduates face ban on work in Britain Too rapid a move in the right direction Bipartisan approach is necessary to maintain our academic edge Whatever happened to the revolution? Government to offer HECS discounts for people who volunteer for community work
Overseas student enrolments in Australia at record high The Australian February 26 2009 JULIA Gillard has seized on record overseas student enrolment figures to highlight the strength of Australia's third-largest export market. Enrolments by overseas students in Australian educational institutions rose a record 20.7 per cent to 543,898 in 2008 - the largest increase since 2002 - according to the latest Australian Education International figures. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25110038-12332,00.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Oz elite damn review as a 'road map to mediocrity' The Times - Higher Education February 26 2009 Call for expansion would waste cash and mislead students, top institutions say. John Gill reports After six weeks spent digesting Australia's most comprehensive review of higher education in recent times, the country's elite universities have branded it a "road map to mediocrity". Full article: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=405459&c=1 First-year attrition too high The Australian February 26 2009 AS thousands of first-year students flood campuses for orientation week, government data suggests that more than 30,000 of them won't still be at the university come the second year. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25107822-12332,00.html Gmail crash hits 100 million users worldwide The Courier Mail, Brisbane February 25 2009 SEVERAL million people around the world were left without access to email for more than two hours on Tuesday after Gmail, Google's web-based email service, crashed. More than 100 million people are estimated to use Gmail every month, and the widespread outage is known to have affected users across the globe, including in Australia last night, when connections to Gmail repeatedly timed out, returning a "502 Server Error" message. Full article: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25104059-8362,00.html Student group keen on new fee: Uni sport boost The Standard, Warrnambool February 26 2009 DEAKIN University Football Netball Club is set to benefit under the Federal Government's proposed amenities fee before Federal Parliament this week. Full article: http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/student-group-keen-on-new-fee-uni-sportboost/1444221.aspx Alcohol raises cancer risk The Australian February 26 2009 EVEN low to moderate consumption of alcohol increases a woman's risk of developing cancer, and could explain nearly 13 per cent of the cancers of the breast, liver, rectum and airways combined. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25107817-23289,00.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Australia's education system is failing disadvantaged Adelaide Now February 25 2009 AUSTRALIA'S education system is failing to help enough disadvantaged people access higher education and all sectors must work together to improve the balance, Professor Denise Bradley says. Full article: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25106843-5006301,00.html Sector pursues unity on Bradley review The Australian February 25 2009 UNIVERSITIES are trying to set aside their differences over the Bradley review amid fears that squabbling could detract from their joint efforts to secure increased long-term funding from the Government. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25101987-12332,00.html Call for funding transparency The Australian February 25 2009 UNIVERSITIES will need to disclose their mechanisms for cross-subsidising research out of fee income before the federal Government considers funding the full cost of research, a senior federal bureaucrat has indicated. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25101985-12332,00.html VU academics to begin rolling strikes The Australian February 24 2009 VICTORIA University is facing a campaign of rolling strikes after academics voted in favour of an indefinite industrial campaign against the university's redundancy plans. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25101161-12332,00.html Students grapple with new arrangements for services The Australian February 25th 2009 AS campuses reopened this week, student leaders were coming to terms with life after the federal Government's spending guidelines for universities that plan to collect a services and amenities fee of up to $250 a student. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,25101983-12332,00.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
New row over student unionism Sydney Morning Herald February 24th 2009 A new row has broken out over student unionism, with the opposition accusing the government of breaking an election promise by imposing a $250 fee on students. Full article: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/new-row-over-student-unionism-20090224-8gvo.html Trevor Gale raises equity fears as Bradley recommendations could concentrate disadvantage The Australian January 21 2009 DISADVANTAGED students could be further concentrated in younger and regional universities if Bradley review recommendations on entitlements are implemented without stringent controls, derailing a major objective of the review, according to National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education director Trevor Gale. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24940114-12332,00.html Higher education's dirty little secret Eureka Street February 17 2009 The Bradley Review of Higher Education had prosacic terms of reference. But it had one one matter of principle to address. The Rudd Government's brief included a focus on social inclusion, specifically on supporting and widening access to higher education, including participation by students from a wide range of backgrounds. Full article: http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=11555 Adelaide Uni migrates 16,000 students to Gmail Network World February 23 2009 The University of Adelaide will be moving over 16000 student email accounts to Google Mail. The university's deal, which comes at no charge, covers all students with the @student.adelaide.edu.au domain. Those that fall into this category are undergraduate, honours and postgraduate coursework students. Research students and staff are not included in the new arrangement. Full article: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/022309-adelaide-uni-migrates-16000-students.html Tight deadline put the squeeze on review Sydney Morning Herald February 23 2009 THE scope of the review into higher education was narrowed dramatically because of a tight deadline, Professor Denise Bradley says. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/tight-deadline-put-the-squeeze-on-review-20090222-8erk.html Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
The dust settles - now for the verdict Sydney Morning Herald February 23 2009 Denise Bradley has taken plenty of flak for her panel's recommendations on ways to improve higher education, writes Heath Gilmore. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-dust-settles--now-for-the-verdict-20090222-8erj.html Death of the dotcom degree The Age February 22 2009 American astronomer Clifford Stoll believes that "techies" like himself have a responsibility to challenge the hype surrounding computers. And if anyone is qualified to do so, it is Stoll: he is one of the pioneers of the internet. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/biztech/death-of-the-dotcomdegree/2009/02/21/1235237424924.html Top universities slam Bradley review The Brisbane Times February 18 2009 The Bradley review into higher education is a road map to mediocrity, according to Australia's top universities. The Group of Eight (Go8) leading institutions believes many of the review's recommendations will set students up for failure and waste public resources. Full article: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-national/top-universities-slam-bradley-review20090218-8bab.html Bradley review prompts Go8 ire The Australian February 18 2009 THE Group of Eight has savaged the Bradley review, describing it as a "road map to mediocrity", foolish and deeply flawed, in a confrontation likely to fuel political tensions ahead of the federal Government's promised education overhaul. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25069968-12332,00.html NZVCC releases Briefing for the Incoming Govt NZVCC Electronic News Bulletin - Vol.9 No.2 February 17 2009 The NZVCC today released its Briefing for the Incoming Government which was presented to Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley, Research, Science and Technology Minister Dr Wayne Mapp and Infrastructure Minister Bill English when Cabinet was announced in November. Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Last week university Chancellors joined Vice-Chancellors in discussing issues raised in the briefing with Minister Tolley. The nine-point plan for action by government and the universities which forms the basis for the briefing has been widely publicised and the Minister has indicated her willingness to engage with the university sector on specific issues. The briefing document is available on the NZVCC website: http://www.nzvcc.ac.nz/node/362 Download briefing: http://www.nzvcc.ac.nz/files/u10/36833_NZVCC_Incoming_Government_Report4__2_.pdf Uni chief criticises education blueprint Sydney Morning Herald February 17 2009 THE Bradley review of higher education lacks vision and sets unrealistic and unaffordable goals, the University of NSW vice-chancellor, Fred Hilmer, said in a speech last night. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/uni-chief-criticises-education-blueprint-20090216-89aw.html Liberal students seek fee block The Age February 16 2009 LIBERAL students will pressure crossbench senators to block the reintroduction of compulsory fees to pay for services on university campuses. Under the Federal Government scheme, from July universities will be able to levy compulsory fees of up to $250 a year, which students could choose to defer via a HECS-style loan scheme. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/liberal-students-seek-fee-block-20090215-886m.html The Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009 was introduced to the House by the Minister for Youth, the Hon Kate Ellis. Please refer to the below link for more information: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Ellis/Media/Speeches/Pages/Article_090211_133421.aspx Concerns about management of funds The Canberra Times February 12 2009 Local student unions responded with mixed emotion to details of the Federal Government's Higher Education Legislation Amendment Bill yesterday. All welcomed news of money going towards student services which have struggled under voluntary student unionism, but expressed concern about universities managing the funds. Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/concerns-about-management-offunds/1431834.aspx
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Unis and students back fee to improve services The Canberra Times February 12 2009 Universities and students have broadly welcomed Federal Government legislation which will enable universities to charge students up to $250 a year to help fund services like child care and welfare support. But the fee, which would come into effect from July 1 this year and which students would be able to defer in a HECS-style loan, would not be allowed to be used to support political parties. Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/unis-and-students-back-fee-to-improveservices/1431684.aspx 20 new campuses crucial for "nation building" Architecture & Design February 11 2009 There must be a massive expansion in university campus construction in the outer suburban regions of all Australian metropolises if the nation is to meet the huge enrolment increases set by the Bradley Review, a pivotal report by Bob Birrell published today by the Australian Universities Review has claimed. Full article: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/article/20-new-campuses-crucial-for-nationbuilding/437718.aspx Govt introduces student services bill ABC News February 11 2009 The Federal Government is pushing ahead with its election commitment to reinstate university student services. It has introduced a bill that will allow universities to charge students a maximum of $250 a year to invest in support services. But they must provide students with the option of deferring payment of the fees, similar to the HECS system. Minister for Youth Kate Ellis says the new bill is not a return to the compulsory student unionism. "The new National Student Representation and Advocacy Protocols will help ensure students have access to advocacy support services to support student appeals and vital help for students who may need extra assistance on matters that can be overwhelming and unfamiliar," she said. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/11/2488316.htm UC's new on-campus complex set to ease rental market squeeze The Canberra Times February 11 2009 The pressure of Canberra's tight rental market is expected to ease with the opening of 345 rooms at the University of Canberra's new on-campus student accommodation.
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Hundreds of students will start moving into their apartments next week in the first stage of the newly built University of Canberra Village in Bruce. Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/ucs-new-oncampus-complex-set-to-easerental-market-squeeze/1430471.aspx Call for outer-suburbs unis The Australian February 11 2009 AN estimated 20 new outer-suburban teaching universities will be needed to meet ambitious enrolment targets set by the Bradley review of higher education, according to Monash demographer Bob Birrell. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25038160-2702,00.html University shake-up under fire WA Today February 10 2009 ALLOWING universities to enrol as many students as they wish without deregulating the fees they can charge could make university less accessible for many Australians, a free-market think tank warns. A report by Centre for Independent Studies research fellow Andrew Norton — issued as the Federal Government considers the biggest shake-up of higher education in decades — argues that partial deregulation could lead to a reduction in places in some popular courses, and create further incentives for institutions to offer places to foreign students ahead of locals. Full article: http://www.watoday.com.au/national/university-shakeup-under-fire-20090210-83ll.html Vouchers won't work with cap, report says The Canberra Times February 11 2009 Vouchers will only work in universities if institutions are allowed to charge students more than the present capped rate in order to cover their true costs, a new report from the Centre for Independent Studies argues. The report warns the Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education may become another chapter in ''the long story of pricing neglect in higher education'', if the system is not fully deregulated. Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/vouchers-wont-work-with-cap-reportsays/1430284.aspx It's university - but not as we know it Sydney Morning Herald February 09 2009 A proposed student voucher system is causing controversy among the Group of Eight, reports Higher Education Reporter Heath Gilmore. Eight vice-chancellors from the nation's most powerful universities will eyeball the Federal Education Minister, Julia Gillard, next week. Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/02/08/1234027855722.html?feed=fairfaxdigitalxml Oz graduates face ban on work in Britain The Herald Sun February 09 2009 AUSSIE university graduates may be barred from working in Britain with the recession forcing the British Government to toughen its immigration laws. Australian workers in Britain are already hamstrung by law changes late last year that made it tougher to extend or reapply for working visas. Full article: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25024606-5012749,00.html Too rapid a move in the right direction The Canberra Times February 09 2009 THE Bradley report for the first time seeks to set real targets for higher education enrolments by 2020. The core national target, which essentially sets the size of the system, is that 40 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 should attain a degree by 2020. Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/too-rapid-a-move-in-the-rightdirection/1428051.aspx?storypage=0 Bipartisan approach is necessary to maintain our academic edge The Brisbane Times February 07 2009 The global financial crisis demands both short term and long term responses. The higher education sector, representing 1 million students and staff, has a crucial role to play in Australia's recovery. In the short term, important infrastructure projects for education and research are a part of the Federal Government's stimulus to the economy. The University of Sydney is using this money for the essential modernisation of research and teaching facilities. And that is a wise investment. Full article: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/opinion/bipartisan-approach-is-necessary-to-maintain-ouracademic-edge/2009/02/06/1233423497141.html?page=2 Whatever happened to the revolution? The Canberra Times February 02 2009 The quip has been doing the rounds since the Big Apple's education chief was invited to Australia. Having New York lecture us on how to run an education system was like Eric the Eel teaching Ian Thorpe to swim. Senior education bureaucrats in NSW and teacher unions were amazed at the way the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, was so quick to embrace the New York City schools chancellor, Joel Klein, and his reforms. Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2009
Full article: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/whatever-happened-to-therevolution/1421684.aspx?storypage=0 Government to offer HECS discounts for people who volunteer for community work The Australian January 28 2009 THE federal Government is planning to offer discounts on HECS debts to university students who undertake volunteer community work. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24975788-12332,00.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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